A Love Letter to the Edmonton LRT
As someone who has had an irrational yet tenacious love for trains since they were little, I had two choices in front of me for a potential career: Either work in the field of railroading, or find a different field where trains are a topic of conversation and interest. Considering I’m not currently a conductor, I believe I’ve found my place in the world of urban planning (at least for the time being).
Something I owe dearly for broadening my horizons from an early age were the many, many LRT rides I would drag my parents and/or grandparents to. Inside the dimly lit carriage, upholstered with felt cushioning, beige floral wallpaper, and the faint smell of wood paneling and cigarette smoke, my gaze would be transfixed on the ever-changing view of the city outside. As the floor jostled under me and wind rushed in from the cracked window above me, I would lend my attention to the elm trees as they changed with the seasons, the houses and buildings as they constantly morphed between forms old and new, freight trains resting in sidings, the mystique of fluorescent lights in subway tunnels, and much more.
Eventually, I would hop down from my seat and wander to the window of the driver’s cab. I always made sure I was in the front car, so I could press my eyes against the glass and imagine myself driving the train, of course. As the track appeared in front of me, I pretended to adjust the throttle as the electric beast snaked its way through underpasses and crawled between underground stations. Yet, before I knew it, the beast made its way back to where I had gotten on; it was time to go. Reaching to press the “Press To Open Door” button was a small consolation for my reluctance to leave the ride behind.
So, LRT. Even with your many shortcomings and areas for improvement, I’m glad to say that I still feel something between comfort and wonder whenever I travel by you. Even as a 20 year-old full-time student with many other daily obligations to tend to, I’ll admit that I sometimes take the long way home on purpose. What can I say; it’s contagious to feel the warmth of the sunset permeate the carriage, as amber and crimson wash over the river valley and Wihkwentowin’s high rises from outside your windows.
Thank you for inspiring me to do what I do.
-Written by Luka Zvonkovic